Taking the Next Step

That’s what the General Laws and Technology Committee of the Virginia State Senate took Wednesday when they reported out Senate Bill 66, a bill to prohibit discrimination in state employment, including any discrimination based on “sexual orientation.”

In the bill, sexual orientation is described as a person’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality, or gender identity or expression. In other words, it is an inclusive definition and a good bill.

Thanks are due to Senator Donald McEachin who introduced the bill and is working to get it passed.

Alas, the vote in committee was 8 yea, 7 nay, so there is work to be done. It may come up as soon today, in the full Senate. It is important that LGBT people and their allies contact their Senators to urge passage.

Governor McDonnell and President Obama are making new jobs the focus of the year. This is good. But let us also save the jobs people have, and give them assurance that it is their performance, not their sexuality or any other extraneous factor, that counts in keeping their jobs.

Rev. Dr. Robin H. Gorsline is President of People of Faith for Equality in Virginia, an interfaith organization of gay and straight clergy and lay people working for equality for LGBT Virginians. Read more of his thoughts on faith and spirituality on his personal blog.

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